Unfortunately, they may be more correct than they realize. High blood pressure, also known as hypertension, affects an estimated 30 percent of Washington adults 18 years and older.

“Blood pressure control has been identified by the Centers for Disease Control as the main thing in terms of improving one’s health and preventing death,” says Colette Rush, registered nurse and a coordinator for Washington State Department of Health’s Heart Disease and Stroke Prevention program.

Washington is nationally recognized for its efforts in blood pressure education.

Hypertension is a contributor to heart and kidney disease, stroke and peripheral vascular disease (circulatory system issues other than the brain and heart).

Even though it’s the most significant, preventable cause of premature death, the prevalence of high blood pressure hasn’t improved nationally or statewide in the past 20 years.

“Most people have no idea they have blood pressure because they don’t feel sick,” Rush said. “They need to be screened and told.”

The positive news is that even moderately lowering blood pressure yields tremendous results. Every 5-point decrease reduces the risk of stroke by 34 percent and heart attack by 21 percent. That can be easily accomplished through simple and affordable lifestyle changes.

Accurate reading

It’s especially important to be screened if you are 50 years or older, have a family history of hypertension, are obese or already diagnosed with diabetes or chronic kidney disease. However, even those without typical risk factors should be occasionally checked.

Start with a general-care doctor who can follow up with questions and offer a plan if needed.

“With the increasing obesity, I’m definitely seeing more hypertension at younger ages. It’s also more emergent in children over the last years,” says Dr. Deb Nalty, who practices at the Monroe Clinic.

Regardless of where you go, be your own advocate to ensure precise readings.

“In pretty much every setting across health care, we’ve found that blood pressure measurements are frequently not taken accurately,” Rush says.

There is currently a state and nationwide effort to retrain providers.

The salty truth

Good weight management is beneficial to overall health, including blood pressure. Additionally, limiting salt intake is critical to preventing and reducing hypertension.

“Sodium reduction is fairly easy compared to other, major lifestyle choices,” Rush said. “It has a tremendous impact and sometimes blood pressure lowers even within a few weeks.”

The average American consumes more than 4,500 mg of salt daily. The recommended amount is less than 2,300 mg — approximately a teaspoon — and 1,500 mg for those at risk or already diagnosed with hypertension.

Studies show that the dinner-table saltshaker isn’t the main culprit. The CDC estimates 77 percent of salt intake is from fast food, restaurant dining and processed foods.

You don’t need to eliminate a food altogether, but read labels and look for low-sodium options. Cooking at home is a great option, but be cautious that you’re not ingesting more salt than you think.

“We’re not cooking from scratch like we used to. We often start with processed foods to begin with, such as using rice mixes, which have tremendous added sodium compared to the natural version,” says Sara Eve Sarliker, manager of DOH’s Heart, Stroke and Diabetes Program.